PRINTECS.EXE is a short program which enables the Epson FX-80 printer to
print the same character set as the IBM PC computer. On running PRINTECS (and
after pressing a key as the program asks) codes are sent to the printer for
defining characters according to the method outlined in the FX-80 manual,
between pages 3-38 and 3-48. The characters for which codes are sent are ASCII
35 and ASCII 128 to 255. ASCII 35 is included to ensure that pound signs print
as pound signs and hashes print as hashes. The only problem that I am aware of
is with ASCII 134; it cannot be defined separately and insists on printing as
ASCII 163; ie. these two characters have to be the same. This is due to
internal switching in the printer when dip switch 1-4 is off (presumably how
most people operate their printer). PRINTECS automatically returns an error
message if the printer is not turned on or is off-line - just follow the
prompts, it restarts from the beginning if anything should go wrong. Naturally,
if the printer is turned off (not just switched "off line") after PRINTECS has
been run then all the character definitions will be lost and the program will
have to be run again.

   PRINCHAR.BAS is a Basic program for modifying PRINTECS.EXE in order to
create different characters. It was used to create all the characters in
PRINTECS as supplied. One of the main uses of this facility (apart from
improving characters that you don't like) would be to create special character
sets for scientific or foreign language applications. To do this, make a
special copy of PRINTECS that you want to change, for scientific purposes,
let's say, by use of a command such as the following:

COPY PRINTECS.EXE PRINTSCI.EXE

   When you run PRINCHAR you are asked for the name of the file that you wish
to edit. In the above example you would enter PRINTSCI.EXE (including the
extension) followed by "return". PRINCHAR will then load the data from that
file and allow you to edit its characters. If you just press "return" without
giving a file name, PRINCHAR will load the data from PRINTECS and proceed to
edit that. The choices given in the main menu should be clear enough. The
option to print out the character set (ASCII 128 to 255 only) may be used at
any time, regardless of whether or not the edited characters have been saved on
disc. The option to create a new character gives you a blank character to edit,
and, the option to edit an existing character displays that character for you
and enables you to change it. Before editing any characters it would be a good
idea to call a few up (you can get rid of them just by pressing F4) and compare
what you see with pages G-1 to G-7 in the manual. It would also be useful to
read the pages mentioned above. The dots in the grid that you see represent
actual printing positions, just as on page 3-38 in the manual. The position of
the cursor is indicated by a flashing dot, and, don't worry, it is impossible
to move the cursor outside of the box. When you have indicated that you are
finished with the character, by pressing F3, you are prompted for the answers
to a couple of questions. The meaning of "Starting and Ending print position"
in the program is exactly the same as given in the manual. The default
proportional spacing is Starting position 0, Ending position 11. The option to
save all character codes on disc replaces the data for the characters in the
file that you defined when first starting PRINCHAR.

   PRINCHAR.BAS had many bugs when first written - there may still be some
lurking. Apologies if you find any, but, if you do, please let me know, at the
address given below, so that they may ironed out for future versions.

Edward Henning.
18,Cleveland Mansions.
Widley Road.
London  W9
ENGLAND
o that they may iron